Efficient microwave-assisted regioselective one pot direct ortho-formylation of phenol derivatives in the presence of nanocrystalline MgO as a solid base catalyst under solvent-free conditions

Abstract

In this research, at first nanocrystalline MgO was prepared and then the solvent-free reactions of phenol derivatives with paraformaldehyde in the presence of the obtained nanocrystalline MgO as a new catalyst under microwave irradiation were investigated. In this reaction, ortho-hydroxyaromatic aldehydes were yielded as products. This method seems to be comparable with other reported methods due to its high yield and regioselectivity. The significant features of this method are short reaction times, high yields, and easy and quick isolation of the products.